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Deadlines for Academic Progress

Below are the deadlines for completing your degree requirements in time so that you can participate in the commencement ceremony, get your name included in the commencement bulletin, and receive your diploma in the desired term.

If you miss the exam and ETD-approval deadlines, the Graduate School will enroll you in one credit of Start-of-Semester Defense Exception and award your degree or certificate the following semester.

Summer graduates are welcome to participate in the fall commencement ceremony.

2023-24 Deadlines

Fall

  • Apply for degree in HokieSpa: Nov. 1 
  • Final Exam: Dec. 13
  • Submit ETD: Jan. 5

Spring

  • Apply for degree in HokieSpa: Apr. 1 
  • Final Exam: May 8
  • Submit ETD: May 24

Summer

  • Apply for degree in HokieSpa: Aug. 1
  • Final Exam: Aug. 9
  • Submit ETD: Aug. 23

Deadlines for Participating in Commencement

Fall

  • Apply for degree in HokieSpa: Nov. 1 
  • Final Exam: Dec. 8
  • Submit ETD: Jan. 5

Spring

  • Apply for degree in HokieSpa: Apr. 1 
  • Final Exam: May 1
  • Submit ETD: May 24

Summer

  • Apply for degree in HokieSpa: Aug. 1
  • Final Exam: Aug. 9
  • Submit ETD: Aug. 23

Deadlines if you choose not to participate in commencement

Fall

  • Apply for degree in HokieSpa: Nov. 1
  • Final Exam: Dec. 13
  • Submit ETD: Jan. 5

Spring

  • Apply for degree in HokieSpa: Apr. 1
  • Final Exam: May 8
  • Submit ETD: May 24

Summer

  • Apply for degree in HokieSpa: Aug. 1
  • Final Exam: Aug. 9
  • Submit ETD: Aug. 23

Fall

  • Apply for certificate conferral: Nov. 1

Spring

  • Apply for degree in HokieSpa: Apr. 1

Summer

  • Apply for degree in HokieSpa: Aug. 1

Participation in Commencement

All graduate degree candidates must confirm their plans to attend Commencement by December 1 for the fall ceremony and May 1 for the spring ceremony. Direct questions pertaining to eligibility to participate to the Graduate School at 540-231-8636.

The Fall 2023 commencement ceremony in Blacksburg will be on Friday, December 15. The Spring 2024 commencement ceremony will be on Wednesday, May 8. The Spring 2024 commencement ceremony in the greater Washington, D.C. metro area will be on Sunday, May 12.